Who was Wayne Potter?
In a somber turn of events, Wayne Potter, a resident of Wadsworth, Ohio, sadly lost his battle with lung cancer on September 7th, 2023. Wayne exhibited remarkable courage throughout his three-year struggle with this formidable disease.
During his final moments, Wayne found comfort surrounded by his loved ones. He came into this world on December 20th, 1973, in Cleveland, Ohio, to his parents, Wayne and Bernice Potter.
Wayne’s educational journey led him to graduate from Brunswick High School in 1993, and he embarked on his professional career at Columbia Gas. Wayne Halstead’s life was marked by his strong bond with his wife, Sonja Halstead.
Their connection was so profound that they exchanged marriage vows not once but twice, both on the significant date of November 11th. The first ceremony took place on November 11th, 2006, followed by a second on November 11th, 2016. They joyfully welcomed their son, Anthony Wayne Potter, into the world.
Wayne embraced his role as a stepfather with unwavering dedication, earning the esteemed title of the greatest stepdad to Johnny and Brittany. His warmth and affection touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Wayne approached life with infectious enthusiasm, finding joy in riding his Harley and embarking on thrilling 4-wheeler adventures with friends. He also had a deep love for entertaining children and was an avid fan of The Cleveland Browns. Wayne’s admiration for his father drove him to embody the “Ford Tough” mentality.
In an impressive display of community involvement, Wayne was a proud member of esteemed organizations like The Masons, The Eagles, Clays Park, and The Galaxy. He cherished Sundays spent savoring delectable Italian cuisine prepared by his Aunt Paula, surrounded by his extensive Italian family. Wayne’s commitment to family was unwavering.
According to Wayne, those who weren’t subjected to teasing were considered part of the family. In a tragic turn of events, Wayne Potter has left behind a grieving family. He is survived by his devoted wife and caretaker, Sonja, along with his sons, Anthony Potter and Johnny Halstead, and his daughter Brittany Sidol and her husband Andrew.
Wayne’s parents, Wayne and Bernice Potter, are heartbroken by the loss of their child, as is his sister Cindy Moran and her husband Joe. Wayne’s godson and nephew, Kevin Moran, and his niece Kayla Lauro, along with her husband Joe, are deeply affected by this tragedy.
His grandmother, Gloria Palmentera, mourns the loss of her beloved grandchild. In this time of immense grief, Wayne’s in-laws, Paul and Patti Payne, as well as his sister-in-laws Stephanie Payne and Deborah Wise, share in the family’s sorrow. Alongside his loyal companions Rosie and Lucy, who remained faithfully by his side, Wayne leaves behind several cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Unfortunately, Wayne had to bid farewell to several loved ones before him, including his grandparents Neal and Louise Potter, his grandfather John Palmentera, his brother-in-law Chuck Payne, and his beloved dog, Shelby, who held a special place in his heart as his first love.
In a heartfelt tribute, Wayne Potter is remembered not only for his outward beauty but for the truly beautiful soul he possessed. His smile radiated warmth and could brighten even the darkest room.
Wayne Potter Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wayne Potter, a beloved resident of Wadsworth, Ohio. Wayne departed from this world on September 7th, 2023, after a courageous three-year battle with Lung Cancer. In his final moments, Wayne found solace in the presence of his cherished loved ones.
Wayne Potter was born on December 20th, 1973, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Wayne and Bernice Potter. He was a proud graduate of Brunswick High School in 1993 and concluded his dedicated career at Columbia Gas. Wayne’s life was a tapestry woven with love and commitment. He shared a beautiful journey with his beloved wife, Sonja Halstead, whom he married not once, but twice—first on November 11th, 2006, and again on November 11th, 2016. Together, they welcomed their son, Anthony Wayne Potter, into their loving home. Wayne also embraced the roles of a loving stepfather to Johnny and Brittany.
Wayne had a zest for life that was truly infectious. He found joy in riding his Harley, embarking on adventurous 4-wheeling expeditions with friends, and passionately supporting The Cleveland Browns. His admiration for his father was evident, and it was from him that Wayne inherited his “Ford Tough” spirit. Wayne was a proud member of various organizations, including The Masons, The Eagles, Clays Park, and The Galaxy.
For Wayne, family was everything. He cherished Sundays filled with Aunt Paula’s delicious Italian cooking and the warm embrace of his Italian family. Wayne had a unique way of showing love; if he teased you, you were unquestionably part of the family. His memory will forever be cherished by his wife and caregiver, Sonja, his sons Anthony and Johnny, his daughter Brittany (and her husband Andrew Sidol), his parents Wayne and Bernice, his sister Cindy (and her husband Joe Moran), his godson and nephew Kevin Moran, and his niece Kayla Lauro (and her husband Joe). Wayne is also survived by his grandmother Gloria Palmentera, in-laws Paul and Patti Payne, sister-in-laws Stephanie Payne and Deborah Wise, his loyal companions Rosie and Lucy, several cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Wayne was preceded in death by his grandparents Neal and Louise Potter, Grandfather John Palmentera, brother-in-law Chuck Payne, and his cherished canine companion, Shelby, his first love.
Wayne Potter was a remarkable individual, both inside and out. His radiant smile had the power to illuminate any room, and his profound care for those around him left an indelible mark on countless lives. His absence will be deeply felt, but the memories of his warmth and kindness will endure.
Friends and family are invited to join us in celebrating Wayne’s life on Friday, October 13th, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM at The Galaxy Restaurant & Banquet Center, located at 201 Park Centre Drive, Wadsworth, Ohio 44281, in the Starlight Banquet Room. A private family service will follow, officiated by family friend Tom Fisher.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the dedicated nurses at Justin T Rogers Hospice Care Center for their exceptional care during Wayne’s long and arduous battle. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who supported the family during this challenging time.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Wayne’s memory can be made to Lawrence School at 1551 E. Wallings Rd., Broadview Heights, OH 44147.
Wayne Potter’s memory will forever live on in our hearts, and his legacy of love and laughter will continue to inspire us all.
